Karen Underwood - Select Image To View Photographs

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PAINT-A-BOX ART

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The Karen Underwood tribute box is a vibrant piece of street art located on St Patrick’s Quay in Cork City. Commissioned as part of the Mad About Cork initiative, the piece celebrates one of the city's most beloved adoptive daughters and a powerhouse of the Irish soul and jazz scene.

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The Art and the Artist

The tribute is a "Paint-A-Box" style mural, a popular medium in Cork where utilitarian electrical and traffic signal boxes are transformed into canvases.

The Artist: The portrait was created by Kevin O’Brien, a prominent figure in the Cork street art scene. O'Brien is known for his "Pop Art" aesthetic, which uses bold colours and sharp lines to bring local heroes to life.

The Style: The box features a striking, soulful portrait of Karen Underwood, capturing her expressive stage presence. It was created in collaboration with the Soul in the City music festival, ensuring the art reflects the energy of the music she champions.

The Project: Mad About Cork

Mad About Cork is a volunteer-led community group dedicated to making Cork a more colourful and vibrant place through street art, guerrilla gardening, and local history projects.

Mission: Their goal is to take neglected or mundane urban spaces and turn them into points of interest that celebrate Cork’s culture and heritage.

Impact: The "Paint-A-Box" series is perhaps their most visible legacy. By featuring figures ranging from historical icons like Mary Elmes to modern legends like Cillian Murphy and Karen Underwood, they create an outdoor gallery that is accessible to everyone.

The Subject: Karen Underwood

Karen Underwood is a singer, writer, and storyteller originally from Chicago, Illinois, who moved to Cork in 1997. Over the last two decades, she has become an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric.

Musical Legacy: Known for her deep, resonant voice and emotional performances, she has produced acclaimed shows such as The Story of Soul and Singing Nina (a tribute to Nina Simone).

Community Figure: Beyond the stage, Karen is a public speaker and mental health advocate. Following the tragic loss of her son, Erbie, she has worked extensively to support suicide awareness and bereavement services, earning her the deep respect and affection of the people of Cork.

Location: St Patrick’s Quay

The art is situated on St Patrick’s Quay, a bustling area overlooking the River Lee.

Context: The quay is a major transport hub and pedestrian thoroughfare, making the tribute highly visible to both locals and tourists.

The "Victorian Quarter": Its proximity to MacCurtain Street—the heart of Cork’s "Victorian Quarter" and a hub for music and nightlife—makes it the perfect setting for a tribute to a soul singer who has spent years performing in the city's nearby theatres and clubs.

Man And Dog - Select Image To View Photographs

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The Art And Arist - Select Image To View Photographs

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